While it might be blue skies in Hobart & Launceston at the moment, a lightning storm is currently passing over Tasmania’s Midlands & Highlands.
The BOM say heavy falls and severe thunderstorms are possible today, with around 3,000 lightning strikes already detected across the state today.
“A trough is combining with anomalously high instability and moisture content to trigger severe thunderstorm activity across central and eastern parts of the state,” the BOM say.
“Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours … [in] Oatlands, Swansea, Orford, New Norfolk, Bothwell and Tarraleah.”
“Scattered showers and thunderstorms have developed over eastern and inland areas of Tasmania and are expected to continue over southeastern areas this afternoon and evening.”
Forecasters say if severe thunderstorms develop around Hobart on Wednesday afternoon, a “more detailed Severe Thunderstorm Warning will be issued”.
“Thunderstorm activity across southern and eastern Tasmania is expected to peak later in the afternoon then gradually ease later this evening,” the BOM say.
Warm, muggy conditions with above average temperatures will continue across most parts of Tasmania during Thursday and Friday until a cold front crosses during Saturday morning.
The highest temperatures are expected on Friday, with temperatures around 29 degrees likely in the Upper Derwent Valley.
Tasmania’s forecast for the rest of Wednesday
Isolated showers and possible thunderstorms developing statewide from late morning, then easing during the evening. Showers becoming more widespread about the east, south, and inland areas during the afternoon, with possible heavy falls in thunderstorms. Light northeasterly winds with afternoon coastal seabreezes.
Thursday 9 November
Showers statewide, easing in the evening. Possible thunderstorms about the east. Light winds with afternoon seabreezes.
Friday 10 November
Possible late showers about the west. Fine elsewhere. Northwesterly winds.
Saturday 11 November
Showers about the west, south, and east. Mainly fine elsewhere. West to northwesterly winds shifting cooler west to southwesterly during the morning.
